Child Dies in Street, “Babysitter” Charged

A babysitter accused of improper supervision of an 8-year-old girl, who ran into a busy intersection and was struck and killed by a vehicle, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter.

Stephany James, 32, of Bridgeton was originally charged with endangering the welfare of a child and hindering prosecution. She was released after posting $25,000 bail. After a thorough investigation police arrested James again Wednesday and charged her with aggravated manslaughter and reckless manslaughter. She is currently being held on $200,000 cash bail.

The Press of Atlantic City reports Vineland police say James was found to have left Aryonna Watson alone without the benefit of adult supervision when the girl ran into the intersection of Delsea Drive and Sherman Avenue in Vineland, NJ and was hit on May 16.

Watson, a second grader at Fairfield Township School, died three days later.

James is not the girl's mother and was supposed to be watching Watson. Witnesses say James was inside a local pharmacy when the young girl was struck.

Police said 45-year-old Robert Zajac of Swedesboro saw the girl after the vehicle in front of him swerved, but he could not stop in time.

No charges were filed against Zajac.

"It's sad," said Viola Overstreet, a neighbor of the child's family. "I can't imagine. I have two little ones." 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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